The architecture and design work of Jack P. Feagley will be showcased in self-guided tours from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 19. The tours, hosted by Mid-Century Modern Midland, will feature two of Feagley's residential designs -- the residences of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Reinke (1941), located at 33 Lexington Court in Midland, and Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Winters (1961), located at 4210 Andre St. in Midland.

"I am so proud and delighted that some of Jack's residential designs were selected to be presented during this upcoming MCMM tour," said Doris Feagley, the wife of Jack Feagley. "Both of these homes highlight Jack's artistic skills as an architect, as well as, a craftsman, as each feature innovated built-in designs; many he constructed himself."

Feagley was born in 1930 in Phillipsburg, New Jersey, and lived most of his childhood in Easton, Pennsylvania, where he attended grade school and middle school. He attended Billard Naval Academy in New London, Connecticut, and was the art editor for his yearbook. He had an appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy Annapolis, but was unable to go because he was color blind.

Feagley then turned to another passion and pursued becoming an architect. He applied and was accepted to Penn State in 1950. While attending Penn State, he competed against 59 other contestants and won a competition sponsored by the Beaux Arts Institute of Design, to design a newspaper plant.

After graduating college in 1954, Jack went into the service and spent three years in Washington D.C. in the Corps of Engineers while simultaneously working for architect Hugh Moore Jr. so he could complete his commitment to take the boards in architecture. In January of 1957 he passed his exam and officially became a registered architect. By getting his registration in Washington D.C., through reciprocity, he could practice in any state in the country.

Together with his wife Doris and their young, growing family, Jack came to Midland in 1957 to work for architect Francis "Red" Warner and stayed at his firm until 1962. He then began working for Alden B. Dow Associates Inc. and continued there for the next 21 years. During his time at the firm he researched and specified the materials for structures. In addition to being lead designer for projects like the Chemical Bank in Saginaw, he became the chief specifications writer for the firm. He served the American Institute of Architecture - Saginaw Valley Chapter as secretary 1969, vice president 1970, president 1971 and past president 1972.

"Early in his career, Jack designed several buildings in the Midland area," Doris Feagley recalled. "After working for Alden Dow he was quickly recognized for his engineering proficiencies, attention to detail as well as strong communication skills. Jack dearly loved working at the Alden B. Dow office. He had great admiration for Alden Dow, both as an outstanding architect and as a person. I think he would have gone back to design eventually, had his life not been cut short at the age of 52, so we are pleased to share these early designs with the Midland community."

The cost of the self-guided tour is $20 per person. Advanced ticket sales only. They may be purchased online at midcenturymidland.org or abdow.org or by calling 989-839-2744.

The main goals of Mid-Century Modern Midland are to document, preserve, celebrate, share and perpetuate the Mid-Century Modern architectural heritage of Midland. Through publication of articles, public presentations and lectures on architecture and design, documentation of structures, as well as, opening the doors to some of the Midland's architecturally significant structures with annual tours, MCMM hopes to make Midland an architectural destination.

Craig McDonald, director of The Alden B. Dow Home and Studio and Mid-Century Modern Midland said, "It's such a pleasure to feature the work of Jack Feagley. Jack's balance of form and function, in addition to beautifully crafted details that add symmetry and texture to spaces are a part of his design legacy."